Open Thread 431

2026-04-27 · Source: Astral Codex Ten · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

The Less Wrong and Astral Codex Ten communities are actively promoting several new initiatives. The European Less Wrong Community Weekend is scheduled for September 11-13 in Berlin. A new program called "plzdontkillus" aims to engage influencers and TikTokkers in AI safety, offering scholarships for a month-long residency in Berkeley with mentors like Grimes and Eliezer Yudkowsky. Manifund has launched the Falcon Fund, providing rapid grants of $25,000-$150,000 for animal welfare projects, particularly those at the intersection of animals and transformative AI. Additionally, a new EA-linked magazine, "In Development," has debuted, focusing on global development issues with initial articles discussing evidence for cash transfers and arguments for entrepreneurship over traditional aid work.

Key takeaway

For research scientists and philanthropists interested in high-impact areas, you should investigate these new initiatives. The "plzdontkillus" program offers a unique approach to AI safety outreach, while the Falcon Fund provides targeted grants for animal welfare and AI intersections. "In Development" magazine offers fresh perspectives on global development economics, potentially informing your research or funding decisions.

Key insights

Community initiatives are expanding engagement in AI safety, animal welfare, and global development.

Principles

• Interdisciplinary engagement is crucial for AI safety.
• Early-stage funding can accelerate niche charitable projects.

In practice

• Apply for the European Less Wrong Community Weekend.
• Consider applying for the "plzdontkillus" AI safety program.
• Explore donating to Manifund's Falcon Fund.

Topics

• Less Wrong Community
• AI Safety Initiatives
• Influencer Engagement
• Animal Welfare Funding
• Transformative AI

Best for: AI Ethicist, AI Student, Research Scientist

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• Intersection Of Biosecurity And AI Sees Seed-Stage Spike — Seed-stage investors, notably OpenAI, are increasingly backing AI biosecurity startups, signaling a new focus on mitigating biological threats.
• State of the blog, mid-2026 — The author's blog, Interconnects, intentionally cultivates a niche, high-quality audience to foster an open AI ecosystem and provide frontier model clarity.
• The inaugural Redwood Research podcast — AI safety requires pragmatic strategies, acknowledging both technical challenges and organizational realities, to manage escalating risks.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Astral Codex Ten.